Thursday, April 3, 2014

Wondering about the Pony-Express.

On this day back in 1860, the Pony-Express riders made their first ride to deliver the mail.  The Pony-Express service was short lived; it was only in operation from April 3rd, 1860 to October 1861 but it played a great part in early America's West.  It was the fastest way to get communications to California from the rest of the county.  Here is a map of their route, it went from Kansas to California.

And this is what their badge looked like.  You know, I never knew that they wore a badge, did you?


This next picture depicts the Pony Express rider galloping across the plains.  Take notice of his saddle.



The saddle was extra light weight but what made it special was that the Mochila was draped over it and it had compartments to place the mail and small packages.  The picture above shows what they looked like.  The next picture of the Mochila and a saddle.  This one has rather small pockets, but the rider didn't want much additional weight on his horse.


The relay stations were place about every ten miles along the route because that is the approximate distance a horse can go at full gallop.  I have to agree that it would be a lot faster than a sailing boat that would have to go around the southern tip of South America.

I am sure glad they got all those Interstate Highways built, don't you?  Now, you all remember the pony express when you get your mail today, you hear?

10 comments:

  1. I didn't realize the Pony Express lasted such a short time. If you take all the cowboy movies ever made that feature it, they would probably take up the amt of time the actual Pony Express lasted!

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    1. You are right about all the movies that featured the Pony Express. I even remember an episode of Bonanza where Little Joe road for the Pony Express to help catch a crook or something.

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  2. Had to be brave to be one of their riders, that's for sure! Never knew what was right around the next hill!

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    1. Yep, could be savage Indians, outlaws, or severe weather and flash floods. They had to be tough and brave.

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  3. Hmmm,, how long did it take to make all those stops? I mean, build them. I had never seen those pictures, the mochila and the badge which i didnt know about. Thot they just carried it all in the saddlebags.

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    1. I didn't know they had badges and today I learned about the mochila. Blogs have taught me a lot of things, others and mine. . .

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  4. We lived in the Utah desert for a while... the old Pony Express route went through that area... there are still remains of a couple of the buildings that were stops. The Lincoln Highway was developed along the same roadway later. There was a re-enactment of the Pony Express riders while we were there... they changed horses nearby.

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    1. I bet that re-enactment was great to see!! I have never been to Utah. I will have to add that to my travel wish list.

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  5. The telegraph put the Pony Express out of business...

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    1. Yes it did, that is why the Pony Express only lasted two years.

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